About the opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for a high-reward, collaborative project at the intersection of synthetic biology, metabolism, and active matter physics. For over a century, the Warburg effect—aerobic lactate production—was viewed as a strictly cell-intrinsic necessity for proliferation. Leveraging our newly engineered “Warburg-null” mammalian cell lines, this project challenges that paradigm to test a radical new hypothesis: that this metabolic rewiring actually drives emergent, collective behaviors at the multicellular scale. The successful candidate will lead the experimental charge to causally link metabolic perturbations to multicellular dynamics, utilizing optogenetic control, metabolic sensors, and physical modeling to uncover how energy flow reshapes cellular mechanosensing and multicellular organization.
Salary and benefits
- Employment based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations
- Negotiable salary supplements in accordance with DTU's salary structure for scientific staff
- A 2-year fixed-term appointment starting on 1 January 2027
- A rewarding and challenging job in an international, inclusive environment with academic freedom
Who can apply?
- Hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) as a formal qualification
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and genetic engineering
- Demonstrated expertise in fluorescence microscopy (live imaging and light-sheet microscopy)
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Direct experience with mentoring trainees at the BSc, MSc, and PhD level
Required documents
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD in English)
- List of publications
When to apply
- Application deadline is no later than 31 August 2026 (23:59 Danish Time)
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
How to apply
- Open the online application link and fill out the online application form
- Prepare all required materials in English
- Combine all required documents into one single PDF file
- Submit the complete online application before the deadline
Additional information
- The position is jointly supervised by Associate Professor Hooman Hefzi (DTU) and Associate Professor Amin Doostmohammadi (Niels Bohr Institute).
- Open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates due to research in critical technology subject to export control rules.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Postdocs with a PhD and hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and genetic engineering.
- Researchers with expertise in advanced fluorescence microscopy, such as live imaging or light-sheet microscopy.
- Scientists eager to work at the intersection of synthetic biology, metabolism, and active matter physics.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a 2-year fixed-term appointment starting January 1, 2027, with a hybrid work mode.
- The project is highly interdisciplinary and requires strong communication skills to bridge different scientific fields.
- Candidates must be comfortable with mentoring students and working under joint supervision between DTU and the Niels Bohr Institute.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is a fantastic opportunity for a researcher looking to tackle a high-reward, radical scientific hypothesis. It provides a platform to lead experimental work in a collaborative, international environment, which is ideal for someone looking to build a strong profile for future academic or research leadership roles.
Our take
Highly motivated researchers with a strong background in cell biology and microscopy should apply. It is less suitable for those seeking a permanent position or those who prefer to work in a single, narrow discipline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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